About - Goshukan Karate Academy

About Goshukan Karate Academy

Our purpose is to provide a nurturing, inspiring environment where we can effectively share the level of knowledge and training needed to guide our students to mastering the true art of Karate.

Goshukan Karate Academy teaches authentic Japanese Karate, and was established in 2018 by Stacey Karetsian Shihan. Stacey Shihan is a 7th Dan Black Belt in both Seiwakai Goju Ryu and the Japan Karate Federation (JKF) Goju Kai, and has been training in and teaching karate since 1984.

Goshukan Karate Academy Blacktown teaches Goju Ryu Karate. Goju Ryu is a traditional style of karate that was developed in Okinawa, Japan, by Chojun Miyagi Sensei. It emphasises a combination of hard and soft techniques, creating a holistic approach to practical self-defence, physical fitness, and mental discipline. Goju Ryu is known as one of the most popular karate styles in the world. (History of Karate and Goju Ryu)

Our academy runs classes 6 days a week, and focuses on age specific class groups that enable us to teach age appropriate karate formats that promote the values and qualities that are necessary to build self confidence and nurture the children’s self image. Our classes are split into 4-6 yrs (lil Ninjas), 7-9 yrs (Junior Dragons), and 10 years + for all general classes.

For the general (teens & adult classes) the training follows a structured curriculum that covers all 3 aspects of karate; kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Students are taught the fundamental techniques and principles of karate, ensuring a solid foundation for their martial arts journey.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner wanting to further develop your skills and qualifications, our academy offers a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all ages to learn this incredible martial art.

Affiliations & Accreditations (Seiwakai Goju Ryu - JKF Gojukai - AFTK)

Goshukan Karate Academy is a member of Seiwakai Goju Ryu Karate do. We are also members of the Japan Karate-Do Federation (JKF) Goju Kai, The Japan Karate Federation Goju Kai Australia (JKFGA), and the Australasian Federation of Traditional Karate and Kobudo (AFTK).

Stacey Karetsian Kyoshi Shihan

The pursuit of excellence and focus on constant improvement keeps us determined and inspired to continue to reach our maximum potential.

Stacey Karetsian Kyoshi Shihan

Chief Instructor | 7th Dan Black Belt

Goshukan Karate Academy was founded by Stacey Karetsian Shihan. Stacey Shihan has been training and teaching karate since 1984. He started his journey with the local Shotokan karate club (Japan Karate Association) in his home town of Whyalla, South Australia, where he received his first Black Belt at the age of 14. After completing a degree in Civil Engineering, Stacey embarked on a his passion for karate with GKR Karate and excelled to become the companies CEO and Assistant Chief Instructor in 2000, a position he held until 2018. His love for continued growth and his association to Japanese Karate led him to continue his journey under the Japan Karate Federation Goju Kai, taking the name (Goshukan) that was bestowed him by the late Shuji Tasaki Hanshi (Chief Instructor, Seiwakai Goju Ryu) and continuing the lineage through his new club, Goshukan Karate Academy.

In 2022, Stacey Shihan achieved the remarkable accomplishment of being awarded the 7th Dan in both Seiwakai Gojuryu and JKF (Japan Karate Federation) Goju Kai. This prestigious recognition makes him one of the youngest JKF Goju Kai 7th Dan Black Belts outside of Japan.

Get 4 Classes + FREE Uniform for $39.95!

Get 4 Classes Plus FREE Uniform $39.95 (Total value $160)

Enquire now

0485 867 670

VALUES & GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Goshukan Karate Academy is a traditional Japanese karate club. We embrace and uphold the core values and principles that not only shape our karate training but also guide us in our personal growth and development in our daily lives.

Reigi (Respect and Etiquette)

At the heart of our karate club is a profound respect for ourselves, our fellow practitioners, our instructors, and our art. We cultivate an environment where mutual respect and courtesy are paramount. We bow to show respect before and after training, fostering a spirit of humility and gratitude. It is through the consistent practice of this principle that we develop discipline, self-control, and a deep sense of honour.

Shoshin (Beginners Mind)

Regardless of rank or experience, we embrace an attitude of openness and eagerness to learn. We approach each training session with a fresh perspective, ready to absorb knowledge and improve our skills. Soshin reminds us to stay humble, to let go of preconceptions, and to remain receptive and grounded.

Zenryoku (Maximum Effort)

We believe in putting maximum effort and dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to every training session. Zenryoku encourages us to push beyond our limits, to strive for excellence, and to build mental and physical strength. By exerting maximum effort, we not only enhance our karate skills but also build resilience and perseverance that extend to all aspects of life.

Zanshin (State of Awareness)

Zanshin embodies the concept of maintaining a state of awareness at all times. It reminds us to stay focused, centered, and attentive, both during training and in our daily lives. By cultivating zanshin, we heighten our ability to respond swiftly and effectively, enhancing our skills and promoting a sense of mindfulness and tranquility.

Kaizen (Constant and Never-Ending Improvement)

The principle of kaizen drives us to pursue continuous improvement in our karate practice and personal lives. We believe that small, incremental steps towards self-improvement lead to lasting and significant change. By embracing kaizen, we are encouraged to set goals, seek feedback, and persistently work towards becoming better versions of ourselves.

These principles form the foundation of our values and what we believe is important to us and our development and growth as a karate club. They continually inspire us to stay connected to our journey of self-discovery, self-discipline, and lifelong learning through the consistent practice of the art of Karate-do.

Get 4 Classes + FREE Uniform for $39.95!

Get 4 Classes Plus FREE Uniform $39.95 (Total value $160)

Enquire now

0485 867 670

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of training in karate?

Karate is more than a self defence fighting system. It is a way of life. We are learning a martial art, to build strength in both mind and body, and yet we wish to never have to use the physical component of the art to defend ourselves. Consistent training in karate can develop strength of mind, body, spirit. By developing fighting skills you build confidence, inner security, awareness, respect for self and others. Karate training builds character, it teaches us life skills to help us to overcome challenges, solve problems, embrace opportunities, strive for excellence.

Do I need to be fit to start?

Absolutely not. Karate is a personal endeavour and every student is encouraged to participate at their own pace, with no expectation of fitness or ability.

Am I too old to start?

If you can walk onto the mats you can train in Martial Arts! We have had people start training well into their 50’s and even 60+!

Can my whole family have a class at the same time?

Yes, we have a number of different options to get the whole family (Mum, Dad and kids of all ages) involved, without multiple trips. We have the option of a family class in which parents train in the same class as their kids and complete part of the class by themselves and the other part all together!

What are your class sizes?

Class sizes vary throughout each program and peak time. We abide by recommended instructor ratios which are as follows: kids classes ratio is 15:1 and for general classes it is usually 20:1.

How long will it take to reach Black Belt level?

It takes approx. 4-5 years to get black belt, depending on how many times you train a week and how committed you are to your improvement.

Do I have to start as a white belt if I have been training in another Goju Style?

What we’re doing is recognising the experience level that people who have already trained in a Goju based karate system and letting them train in their current grade belt until they are ready to be assessed and formally graded to the appropriate grade level in Goshukan Karate. There are many clubs within the same/similar styles or systems today, and just like when you are studying any tertiary education and gain credit points when moving from one course to another, the same can be said for transferring your karate journey from one Kai (school) to another. Speak to us about your situation. Every person is assessed on their own merits and training history.

What is the Australasian Federation of Traditional Karate & Kobudo (AFTK)?

The purpose of the Australasian Federation of Traditional Karate and Kobudo (AFTK) is to promote traditional karate and kobudo throughout Australasia. The AFTK focuses on ethics, technical seminars, workshops and all that is necessary to promote the spread of karate and kobudo in Australasia and to promote friendly beneficial relations between AFTK members. Goshukan Karate Academy is proud to be a member of the AFTK.

What is the Japan Karate Federation?

The Japan Karate-do Federation was established in 1964 to organize and oversee all styles of traditional Japanese Karate. This organisation is part of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (文部科学省 Monbu-kagaku-shō). It is led by a member of Cabinet who is selected by Japan’s Prime Minister.The vast majority of traditional Goju Ryu organisations are members of the JKF Goju Kai. This organisation seeks to preserve and perpetuate the style of karate that was developed in Okinawa, Japan by Mr. Chojun Miyagi. Goshukan Karate Academy is a member Seiwakai Goju Ryu and therefore a member of the Japan Karate Federation.